In a diplomatic win for Donald Trump, Israel and UAE normalise relations
- Israel will suspend West Bank annexation plans as part of peace agreement
- Delegations to sign wide-ranging bilateral agreements in following weeks, on areas spanning from establishing embassies to fostering tourism
This story is published in a content partnership with POLITICO. It was originally reported by Max Cohen and Nahal Toosi on politico.com on August 13, 2020.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and the United Arab Emirates will normalise diplomatic relations, hailing the news as a major breakthrough that will “advance peace in the Middle East”.
The deal, while preliminary, represents a rare diplomatic win for Trump ahead of the presidential election in November. It also represents a rare US victory in the Middle East, where the lines of conflict have barely budged since the 1970s.
Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Thursday, according to a joint statement issued by the three leaders.
“All three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from today’s historic agreement,” the statement read.
“By uniting two of America's closest and most capable partners in the region, something which said could not be done, this deal is a significant step towards building a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous Middle East,” Trump said while announcing the news at the Oval Office.